11 Best Smart Dog Feeders

‍6 Best Smart Dog Feeder Options: Top Picks For 2023

Smart dog feeders are an innovative solution for busy pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends receive proper nutrition even when away from home.

These devices not only automate the feeding process but also offer additional features like portion control, scheduling, and real-time monitoring through smartphone apps. Using automatic dog feeders lets our dog get the right amount of food at the right time, no matter where we are.

This means you won’t need a pet sitter because of automatic pet feeders. Pet parents can optimize food storage and use smart feeders to set up a feeding schedule.

It’s even possible to find an automatic dog and cat feeder with a slow feed option. Join us as we take a closer look at the top contenders and help you find the perfect smart dog feeder for your beloved pet below.

1. DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder

We recently began using the DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder at home, which has been a game-changer. The Smart Life APP makes it simple to set up and program the feeder, allowing for up to 20 portions per meal.

We found this feature to be especially helpful in controlling our dog's diet and meal times. One key aspect that sets this feeder apart is the built-in 1080P high-definition camera with night vision.

Now, we can see and hear our pets in real-time, even when it's dark. This has been reassuring for us, as it allows us to keep an eye on our furry friends while we're away from home.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

Another feature we appreciate is the dual power supply. This pet feeder comes with a power adapter, and 3*D batteries can also power it. We recommend using both as a combination to ensure your pet is fed even during power outages.

The 8L food hopper, secure lid, and the included desiccant bag contribute to keeping the pet food fresh and safe to consume. With its user-friendly app, HD camera, and dual power supply, this feeder offers a convenient way to care for our pets even when we're not at home.

Pros

• Easy-to-use Smart Life APP with customizable meal portions
• HD camera with night vision for remote monitoring
• Dual power supply for added reliability
• 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi-enabled
• It can also be used as a cat feeder
• Removable tray for cleaning and works with wet food

Cons

• It may require an adjustment period for your pet
• Batteries not included for backup power

2. WOPET 6L Automatic Smart Pet Feeder

For pet owners seeking a dependable, smart pet feeder to establish healthy feeding habits for their furry friends, the WOPET 6L Automatic Smart Pet Feeder is the way to go.

The device requires a 2.4GHz WiFi frequency to function correctly. Although these requirements are not a significant issue for most users, it's essential to consider these factors before making a purchase.

We also found that the portion measurements in the app could be more precise, giving users better control over their pets' food portions. This is particularly important for pets on strict diets or those with weight issues.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

The automatic pet feeder allows you to record a custom voice message to play when it's time for your pets to eat. Our pets quickly associated the voice message with mealtime and were always excited to hear it.

The dual power supply feature ensures your pets are constantly fed, even during power outages. The feeder is exclusively designed for dry food, and the pellets must be 5-15mm. You can also program up to 15 meals at once, making this one of the best automatic feeders.

The easy-to-use app, custom voice message feature, and reliable dual power supply make feeding your pets a breeze, ensuring they maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Pros

• Programmable via smartphone for convenience
• Customizable voice message feature
• Dual power supply for added reliability
• Best option for dry food

Cons

• Dry food only and specific pellet size

3. PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog Feeder

The PetSafe Smart Feed is a reliable and convenient choice for busy pet owners who want to ensure their pets are fed on time, every time. This smart feeder is ideal for smaller dogs and cats.

The feeder's Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the My PetSafe app made it easy for us to schedule, adjust, and monitor our pet's meals, even when we were away from home.

However, we did notice some issues with connectivity when using a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, so it's essential to ensure your home network is compatible with the PetSafe Smart Feed. Moreover, the feeder requires a stable internet connection to function optimally, which may concern some users.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

The integration with Amazon Echo devices was a bonus, as we could simply ask Alexa to feed our pets a snack without needing to reach for our phones. The compatibility with various Amazon features is impressive.

The Amazon Dash Replenishment feature saved us from making emergency trips to the store for pet food, as it automatically reordered food when the feeder was running low on kibble. Users can also schedule up to 12 meals daily.

Pros

• Easy Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone app control
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa for hands-free operation
• Amazon Dash Replenishment for automatic food reordering
• Schedule up to 12 daily meals with various portion size settings (1/8 cup to 4 cups)

Cons

• Requires a stable internet connection for optimal operation

4. Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder

The Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder is an excellent choice for busy pet owners who want to ensure their pets are well-fed and entertained while away. I love how easy it is to schedule feedings and keep an eye on our pets through the app.

The Wi-Fi-operated food bowl is perfect for keeping our furry friends fed when we're at work or traveling. The HD camera allows us to watch, listen, and talk to our pets, giving us peace of mind knowing they're doing well.

However, we also noticed that the feeder occasionally goes offline, calling for a reset. The portions are small, so we had to adjust the number of portions accordingly.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

The 29-cup capacity of the feeder can hold enough dry kibble for multiple days and weeks, depending on the feeding frequency and portion size. We love how we can set precise dispensing times, control portions, and even dispense food manually through the app.

Plus, the food chamber and the feeding tray are dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl is removable and super easy to clean too.

Pros

• App-enabled and easy to schedule
• HD camera with audio and video recording
• Large 29-cup capacity
• Removable, dishwasher-safe bowl
• Backup battery system included

Cons

• Portion sizes are small

5. PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder

The PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder is a smart choice for pet owners seeking convenience and peace of mind about their pet's feeding schedules. Having used this smart pet feeder, we can confidently say it's a reliable solution for busy pet owners.

The feeder allows you to easily set up feeding schedules, ensuring that your dog will be fed regularly and healthily even when you're away. The locking lid on the top ensures the food stays fresh and prevents curious pets from accessing it.

This feature, paired with an extra desiccant bag for added freshness, makes it stand out from other feeders. However, the angle of the food dispenser may cause food clogging for certain types of kibble.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

An interesting customization option is the voice recording feature, which allows you to record a 10-second message that plays whenever the food dispenses. This helps your pets to feel safe and well cared for even when you're not around.

This is a smart, efficient, personalized feeding solution for their furry companions. Despite the minor drawbacks, its innovative features and design make it worth considering.

Pros

• Scheduled automatic feeding for pet's regular and healthy diet
• Lock lid ensures freshness and prevents pets from stealing food
• Custom voice recording to enhance the bond with pets
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Cons

• Food clogging might occur more often than you’d like due to the design

6. DOGNESS Automatic Smart Dog Feeder

We think this smart feeder is worth considering for its ease of use and convenient features to help you care for your pet. The DOGNESS Feeder helps keep our pets fed and happy while we are away.

As busy pet parents, juggling work and personal errands can be challenging, but this automatic pet feeder made it easier to stay attentive to our pets' needs with its handy scheduling and portion control features.

However, we did notice that this particular feeder might not be suitable for larger breeds due to its size. So if you have a big dog, other options would likely suit you better.

What Sets This Automatic Feeder Apart

Not only were we able to manage feeding times and food supply remotely, but we also loved that the built-in camera allowed us to visually check on our pets.

This gave us peace of mind knowing our furry friends were safe and well-fed, even when we couldn't physically be there with them. This is a valuable investment for busy pet parents who need a convenient solution to keep their pets fed and content.

We think its user-friendly interface and camera feature, which let you monitor your pet from anywhere, make it a smart choice for those with small to medium-sized pets.

Pros

• Easy smartphone and computer control
• Camera for remote pet monitoring
• Voice recording and timer programmable

Cons

• Limited to medium and small breeds

How To Find The Best Smart Pet Feeder

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when searching for an automatic pet feeder.

Determine Your Pet's Needs

First, consider your dog's specific needs. Some factors to take into account include:

• Meal frequency and portion size
• Special dietary requirements
• Monitoring and scheduling preferences

Understanding these requirements will help you select the most appropriate smart dog feeder for your pet.

Key Features to Look for

When shopping for a smart dog feeder, keep an eye on the following features:

1. Capacity: The feeder should hold enough food to accommodate your dog's meal schedule without constant refilling.
2. Portion control: Look for a model that allows you to easily adjust portion sizes for your dog's dietary needs.
3. Scheduling functionality: Choose a feeder that offers flexible scheduling options to ensure your dog is fed at the right times.
4. Connectivity: Consider Wi-Fi-enabled devices, which offer remote control and monitoring via a smartphone app.
5. Build quality: Ensure the feeder is made from durable materials and has a well-built construction to withstand frequent use.
6. Ease of cleaning: Opt for a device with dishwasher-safe components, making it easy to maintain and clean.

Additional Features

Some smart dog feeders offer extra features that may be worth considering:

• Voice recording: This allows you to record a personal message, providing comfort and reassurance to your dog during mealtime.
• Camera: Some feeders come with an integrated camera, enabling you to keep an eye on your dog and ensure they are eating.
• Power options: Consider feeders with both a plugged-in and battery backup option, ensuring your pet is fed even during power outages.
• Smart home integration: Look for devices compatible with popular smart home systems, offering additional convenience and control.

By considering your pet's needs, evaluating important features, and exploring additional options, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best smart dog feeder for your furry friend.

Are Automatic Pet Feeders Good For Dogs?

In our experience, automatic pet feeders can be a great addition to a dog owner's toolkit. They offer several benefits that can make life easier for both you and your dog.

For one, these feeders provide consistency in your dog's feeding schedule. Dogs thrive on routine, and an automatic feeder ensures that their meals are given at the same time every day, which can help reduce anxiety and promote better digestion.

Another advantage is portion control. Many automatic feeders allow you to set the desired amount of food to be dispensed, which can help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

This can be especially useful for dogs with specific dietary needs or weight issues. This can make your life a little less stressful and ensure your dog has access to food even if you're not there at their usual meal times.

What Are The Risks Of Using an Automatic Dog Feeder?

While automatic dog feeders offer convenience and peace of mind, there are some risks associated with using them. Let's discuss a few of them.

One concern is the potential for technical malfunctions. As with any electronic device, there's a chance that the feeder might not work as intended. For instance:

• The timer may not dispense food at the correct time
• Portion sizes could be inconsistent
• The feeder may get jammed, preventing the release of food

It's important to regularly monitor your automatic feeder to ensure it's functioning properly and make any necessary adjustments.

Another risk is the possibility of overfeeding or underfeeding your dog. Many automatic dog feeders allow you to customize meal portions and feeding times.

However, if you don't know how much food your dog needs or don't program these settings correctly, your dog could end up eating too much, too little or too often. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your pet.

How Often Should You Clean A Smart Dog Feeder?

We recommend cleaning the feeder at least once a week or more frequently if you notice any stuck food, residue, or dirt build-up.

When we clean our smart dog feeders, it's essential to focus on the following components:

• Food storage container: This is where we store the dry or wet food, so it is crucial to check for any signs of mold, moisture, or pests. If possible, empty and wash the container thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, then let it air dry completely before refilling it.
• Food dispenser: Over time, food particles can accumulate in the dispenser area, potentially affecting the functionality of the feeder. We need to disassemble the dispenser mechanism as per the manufacturer's instructions and clean it accordingly.
• Feeding bowl: This is the part that comes into direct contact with our dogs' mouths, so it's critical to keep it clean. Wash the bowl and bowl holder after each use daily with warm water and mild soap, ensuring we rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Here are some handy tips for the cleaning process:

• Always unplug your smart dog feeder before cleaning it to avoid any risk of electric shock or damage to the device.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the feeder's components, avoiding any abrasive materials that could scratch surfaces or damage the mechanisms.
• Check the user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions and recommendations related to your smart dog feeder model.
• Dry all the parts completely before reassembling them to avoid moisture-related issues.